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A husky named “Sweetie” was rescued by police in Merced, California, after several reports dating back to last year that a homeless man was abusing her.
A Merced resident told ABC30 Action News she saw the homeless man dragging Sweetie on hot pavement while riding a bike last week.
The president of Merced’s SPCA also told the outlet that she saw the man pick Sweetie up from the neck and slam her to the ground.
Merced police are now investigating the animal cruelty allegations.
Photos of husky have spread online showing Sweetie in dire condition, including the dog struggling to remove a tight muzzle.
A video also shows the homeless man pulling Sweetie by the collar and her yelping.
Merced police said officers have been collecting evidence of the abuse and neglect for weeks to submit to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors are expected to evaluate the case to see if criminal charges will be filed.
Merced Police LT. Kalvin Haygood said the department also investigating another abuse incident involving the dog that occurred outside a Taco Bell Aug. 7.
The alleged incident happened a day after police took Sweetie to the veterinarian to be evaluated for signs of neglect or abuse. Authorities later returned the dog to the owner when it was determined that she was in good enough health.
But after the Taco Bell incident, Sweetie was taken into protective custody again.
The decision was welcomed by Merced residents, many of whom told told ABC30 that it came after advocacy on behalf of the husky.
Others also said that it was taking police too long to figure out the case.
“It does take time to build these cases. And we’re hoping that someone out there has the evidence that we’re looking for,” Haygood told ABC30.
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